2023/24 NPFL MD8 Wrap: Remo Stars win big as Lobi move to top of table

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The matchday eight of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) resumed with eight games on Sunday.

Remo Stars were the biggest winners after a 4-0 thumping of Gombe United in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun state.

Sikiru Alimi benefited from a dropped ball by the goalkeeper after good work from Dayo Ojo to open the scoring for the Sky Blue Stars in the 27th minute.

Six minutes later, Franck Mawuena poked home a flick-on from Dayo Ojo off a cross by Ahmed Akinyele.

In the 58th minute, Alimi turned provider as he laid the ball on to substitute, Aniekeme Okon who drilled home to the bottom right of the goalkeeper.

Alimi sealed the win with his second goal seven minutes from time. He skipped past three yellow shirts from a Sodiq Ismail’s pass before rifling home a dagger.

In Makurdi, Sunday Chinedu’s 29th-minute goal was all it wrote as Lobi Stars edged Sporting Lagos 1-0 and moved to the top of the table.

Kano Pillars pipped two-time African champions, Enyimba FC 1-0 courtesy of Abba Adam’s winner in the 71st minute of play.

Katsina United also replicated the same scoreline at home against former league winner, Rivers United thanks to Saleh Mansour’s 47th-minute strike.

In Jos, Plateau United won four-goal thriller 3-1 against Abia Warriors. Christopher Nwaeze, Daniel Barnabas, and Ogu Jerry (own goal) sealed a 3-1 win for the host while Meme reduced the deficit for the travelers after going three goals down.

In Akure, Enugu Rangers forced Sunshine Stars to an entertaining 2-2 draw. Yusuf Ibrahim and Moses Omodumueke thought they had won the match for the Akure Gunners before goals from Godwin Obaje and Jonas Emmanuel ensured that Rangers travel to Enugu with a precious away draw.

In Ilorin, Kwara United forced Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to a 1-1 draw as Mohammed Alao canceled Malomo Taofeeq’s opener for the visitors after Samuel Ayorinde’s 17th-minute penalty miss.

Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance settled for a 0-0 draw while the match between Doma United and Akwa United on Saturday ended 1-0 in favour of the former.

Overall, Lobi Stars top the table with 17 points ahead of Remo Stars (15 points), Enugu Rangers (14 points), and Shooting Stars (14 points).

In the relegation zone, Heartland Queens (4 points), Bayelsa United (6 points), Akwa United (7 points), and Enyimba FC (7 points).

Enyimba has three outstanding games due to continental engagement in the CAF Champions League and African Football League.